Euro-Pro Operating, LLC

Euro-Pro Operating, LLC Patent applications

Patent application number

Title

Published

20160038947

FOOD PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD - Food processing apparatus and methods for processing food are disclosed. The apparatus may include stored sequences for operating a processing tool. The stored sequences may address various challenging aspects of blending solid foods and/or ice. In some embodiments, particular sequences are implemented with specific processing tools.

02-11-2016

20160037970

FOOD PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD - Food processing apparatus and methods for processing food are disclosed. The apparatus may include stored sequences for operating a processing tool. The stored sequences may address various challenging aspects of blending solid foods and/or ice. In some embodiments, particular sequences are implemented with specific processing tools.

02-11-2016

20150297054

STEAM CLEANING APPLIANCE - Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include steam appliances and methods which apply steam and a liquid containing a cleaning agent to the floor via separate outlets. In some embodiments, the liquid containing a cleaning agent is applied to an area of the floor that is physically separated from a steam application area. The steam may be applied to the floor through a steam-permeable fabric. The liquid containing a cleaning agent may be heated before being applied to the floor or being mixed with steam.

10-22-2015

20150250360

BLENDER - Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to blender where movement of a blender jar assembly is used as part of activating the motor. In some embodiments, the blender jar assembly is held by a blender base without requiring toggling or activation of a switch or switches associated with blender operation. To then toggle the switch or switches, the blender jar assembly may be pushed downwardly, or a different suitable force may be applied, to operate the blender. In this manner, a blender may be pulsed while engagement members such as tabs are retained by slots in the blender base.

09-10-2015

20150183108

FLOOR CLEANING APPLIANCE - A pivoting and swiveling floor treatment appliance includes a lock-prevention member that prevents a body from becoming pivotally locked in a forward/backward direction when a portion of the body is in a swiveled position. The lock-prevention member may move relative to an appliance head and to a portion of the body that swivels. In some embodiments, components of the lock-prevention member contribute to locking the swivel of the body when the body is pivotally locked.

07-02-2015

20150067977

QUILTED FABRIC TOWEL STEAM POCKET FOR A STEAM APPLIANCE - A fabric steam towel for mounting onto a steam frame of a steam appliance is provided. The pocket includes two complimentary substantially planar layers of fabric joined at their peripheral edge with an open section for mounting onto the steam frame and allowing the open edges to butt against each other. The fabrics are constructed of an outer terry layer and inner material with an upper jersey layer, padding and a lower mesh layer with a 45 degree quilting pattern to improve performance. The fabric is sealed about the frame a first length of a fastener is secured to the inside face along the open edge of one layer with a complimentary length of fastener secured to the inside face of the second layer and extending beyond the edge to allow the open edges of each layer to abut each other and for the fasteners to engage and secure the fabric pocket about the edge of the frame.

03-12-2015

20150040340

SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS - An upright surface cleaning apparatus may include a surface cleaning head, a flexible conduit section and an upper section movably mounted to the cleaning head. The upper section may include an air treatment member positioned in the air flow passage between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet, The surface cleaning apparatus may also include a suction motor positioned in the air flow passage. The upper section may also include an upflow conduit positioned in the air flow passage between the flexible conduit section and the air treatment member. When the upper section is in the upright position, the flexible conduit may include a portion that extends downwardly to a downstream end of the flexible conduit and the upflow conduit may extend upwardly from an upstream end of the upflow conduit to a downstream end of the upflow conduit.

02-12-2015

20150020693

COOKING SYSTEM - A cooking system includes a housing and a liner with a bottom heating element and a side circumferential heating element in a plurality of segments electrically connected. A control subsystem includes a selector for the user switchable between slow cook and stove top modes. Both the bottom heating element and the side circumferential heating element are energized and in the stove top mode. Only the side circumferential heating element is energized in the slow cook mode.

01-22-2015

20150013098

STEAM CLEANING APPLIANCE WITH VIBRATION AND HEATING COMPONENTS - A steam frame for a steam appliance has a body, a passageway in the body for passage of a fluid medium, and a member such as an unbalanced rotatable turbine in fluid communication with the passageway, where the member is capable of being engaged by the fluid medium to produce vibrations in the body for enhanced cleaning performance. A steam attachment includes a body, a pad covering at least a portion of the body, and a heating element coupled to the body. The heating element is configured to increase the temperature of the pad for enhanced cleaning performance. The heating element and vibration-producing member may be used separately or together.

01-15-2015

20140346262

FOOD PROCESSOR - A food processor is provided which includes a container, a blade assembly, and a base arranged such that the container is coupleable to the base. The base includes a housing and a motor configured to drive the blade assembly. The food processor further includes an actuator included with the container moveable between a first position and a second, extended position. When the container is coupled to the base and the actuator is in the second, extended position, the actuator is configured to actuate a switch to permit activation of the motor, and the base is constructed such that the container can be coupled to the base when the actuator is in the second, extended position.

11-27-2014

20140319187

POUR SPOUT - A pour spout is adapted to be coupled to a container having an open end and an outer lip extending around the open end. The pour spout includes a body having a reservoir for receiving fluid from the container. A channel leads from the reservoir to a distal end of the body for directing fluid away from the reservoir. Two clips are disposed on the body for coupling the body to the outer lip of the container at one or more positions whereat the outer lip curves. A proximal wall of the body of the pour spout extends between the two clips and is configured to fit underneath the curve in the outer lip of the container for capturing fluid spilling from the container within the reservoir. Fluid is prevented from exiting out through the channel when the container is resting in an upright orientation on a generally horizontal surface.

10-30-2014

20140283328

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL CLEANING SYSTEM - A multi-functional cleaning system usable as both a vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner includes (a) a body having a motor assembly for generating suction and a dust collector for collecting foreign matters, (b) a first cleaning head, such as a vacuum nozzle, . detachably coupleable to the body and having an inlet for directing the foreign matters into the dust collector, and (c) a second cleaning head, such as a steam cleaning head, detachably coupleable to the body and having an outlet for directing steam onto a surface. Attaching the body to the first cleaning head forms a vacuum cleaner configuration. while attaching the body to the second cleaning head forms a steam cleaner configuration. Electrical wiring and connectors enable operation of the blower motor only in the vacuum cleaner configuration, and include protection against water ingress that can cause malfunctioning or create a safety hazard.

09-25-2014

20140263340

CONTAINER LID RELEASE APPARATUS AND METHOD - A lid release mechanism and a lid locking mechanism for a food processing apparatus are disclosed. The lid release mechanism facilitates removal of a lid from a container via a camming surface in some embodiments. For removal, the lid may be initially tilted to break the seal between the lid and the container. A lid locking mechanism may be included, and in some embodiments, the motion to unlock the lid (e.g., pivoting an arm) also starts lid removal.

09-18-2014

20140245554

SURFACE TREATMENT PAD AND APPLIANCE - A surface treatment pad arrangement for cleaning appliance includes first and second treatment pads with first and second surface-facing sides, respectively. The first surface-facing side may include at least one absorbent section and the second surface-facing side may include at least one absorbent section and at least one scrubbing section. The absorbent section of the first surface-facing side may be a shag material, the absorbent section of the second pad may be a terry knit material, and the scrubbing section may include olefin loops. The first and second pads may be connected to one another by one or more connectors.

09-04-2014

20140216271

Rotisserie System - A rotisserie system includes a cooking oven enclosure including a driven gear at one inner wall thereof. A spit assembly support framework has a drip pan and first and second side racks upstanding from the drip pan each including a spit assembly support. A spit assembly comprises a driven wheel including gear teeth driven by the driven gear, an inward bushing supported by the spit assembly support, and a socket for a spit rod. The spit assembly also includes a handle assembly with an inward bushing supported by a the spit assembly support, a yoke assembly including a center spit rod extending into the driven wheel socket, and one or more additional spit rods extending at least partially along the length of the center spit rod.

08-07-2014

20140130291

STEAM APPLIANCE - A steam appliance having a split handle with the upper part biased away from the handle base and an actuator for a water pump. When the appliance is pushed, the handle upper part is depressed and displaces a pump actuator to activate the pump. Use of a steam frame and steam towel allows an iron to be used as a steam cleaner. When a pole is mounted on the upper handle part, the appliance may be used as a steam mop that is activated by pushing the pole which depresses the handle to actuate the pump.

05-15-2014

20130315653

FLOOR TREATMENT APPLIANCE ARRANGEMENT - A floor treatment appliance has an appliance body which pivots and swivels relative to an appliance head. One or more aspects may facilitate steering and maneuvering of the appliance. A swivel joint may be located within a region of the appliance body which has a lower slope as compared to other portions of the appliance body. The appliance body may be mounted to the top of the appliance head. The swivel joint may be positioned directly above the appliance head.

11-28-2013

20130276485

GARMENT STEAMER - A garment steamer has a housing with a reservoir and a boiler for converting water to steam. The housing includes a normally closed valve in a flow path between the reservoir and the boiler. A removable fill plug in a fill opening or inlet of the reservoir is configured to engage the valve to permit water to be communicated from the reservoir via an outlet to the boiler for conversion into steam. The plug-actuated valve isolates the boiler from the reservoir when the plug is removed, providing safer refilling when the boiler is hot. The garment steamer also includes a steam discharge head coupled by a hose to the housing and configured to direct steam onto a garment or similar item.

10-24-2013

20130264401

FOOD PROCESSOR - A food processor includes at least two different types of blades to process foods. A processing assembly includes a shaft, a set of pureeing blades attached to the shaft, and a set of substantially horizontal blades attached to the shaft. Each substantially horizontal blade may have a rearwardly curved leading cutting edge. The substantially horizontal blades are positioned higher with a food processing container than the pureeing blades. In some embodiments, upwardly angled blades may be included to induce vertical circulation and/or vorticial flow of the processed food.

10-10-2013

20130233183

COOKING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM - A cooking apparatus includes a container which defines four sides, a bottom and an open top. The cooking apparatus further includes a container handle which extends from a handle side of the four sides, and a cover which attaches to one of the four sides other than the handle side. The cover is constructed and arranged to transition between (i) an open position in which the cover substantially exposes the open top defined by the container to allow food product to enter or exit through the open top of the container and (ii) a closed position in which the cover substantially encloses the open top defined by the container to prevent food product from entering or exiting through the open top of the container.

09-12-2013

20130213507

ADJUSTABLE ATTACHMENT FOR DISPENSING APPARATUS - A selectively attachable attachment device for a steam appliance is capable of delivering a mixture of steam and a cleaning additive for cleaning surfaces. The attachment device includes a member that can be coupled to a steam source, and a housing configured to receive the member. The member and the housing include complementary tabs and detent(s) such that an adjustable spacing may be maintained between the steam nozzle and the additive nozzle. The adjustable spacing permits control of the rate at which cleaning additive is added to the steam.

08-22-2013

20130160803

STEAM APPLIANCE - A steam appliance includes a steam applicator which is connectable to the steam appliance, but the steam applicator is permitted to rotate without loosening or disengaging the connection of the steam applicator to the steam appliance. Embodiments may be particularly suitable for use with a portable, handheld steam appliance that employs steam pocket technology.

06-27-2013

20130160228

QUILTED FABRIC TOWEL STEAM POCKET FOR A STEAM APPLIANCE - A fabric steam towel for mounting onto a steam frame of a steam appliance is provided. The pocket includes two complimentary substantially planar layers of fabric joined at their peripheral edge with an open section for mounting onto the steam frame and allowing the open edges to butt against each other. The fabrics are constructed of an outer terry layer and inner material with an upper jersey layer, padding and a lower mesh layer with a 45 degree quilting pattern to improve performance. The fabric is sealed about the frame a first length of a fastener is secured to the inside face along the open edge of one layer with a complimentary length of fastener secured to the inside face of the second layer and extending beyond the edge to allow the open edges of each layer to abut each other and for the fasteners to engage and secure the fabric pocket about the edge of the frame.

STEAM GENERATOR - A steam generator includes an inlet configured to receive a liquid (such as water); a heating element for converting the liquid into a vapor (such as steam), the vapor bearing particles such as mineral deposits formed by the converting of the liquid; an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet, the outlet configured to discharge filtered vapor and having a size on the order of larger ones of the particles; and a filter structure adjacent to the outlet to filter the larger particles out of the vapor to produce the filtered vapor for discharge from the outlet. By action of the filter structure, larger particles are prevented from reaching the outlet, reducing clogging and extending the usable lifetime of a small appliance containing the steam generator. The filter structure may include spaced-apart members such as posts or pillars extending perpendicularly in a planar fluid flow passage.

03-07-2013

20120216841

STEAM APPLIANCE - A steam appliance having a split handle with the upper part biased away from the handle base and an actuator for a water pump. When the appliance is pushed, the handle upper part is depressed and displaces a pump actuator to activate the pump. Use of a steam frame and steam towel allows an iron to be used as a steam cleaner. When a pole is mounted on the upper handle part, the appliance may be used as a steam mop that is activated by pushing the pole which depresses the handle to actuate the pump.

08-30-2012

20120027902

FOOD PROCESSOR - A food processor is provided which includes a container, a blade assembly, a lid configured to cover the top of the container, and a handle attached to the lid. The handle may be movable between at least a first position and a second position with respect to the lid, where when the handle is in the first position, the lid is capable of being coupled to the container, and when the handle is in the second position, the lid is locked to the container. When the handle is in the first position, the motor may be prevented from being activated, and when the handle is in the second position activation of the motor may be permitted. A release button on the lid may be configured to move the handle out of the second position.

02-02-2012

20120026827

FOOD PROCESSOR WITH ATTACHMENT - A blending apparatus is provided which includes a container defining a cavity having a center axis and a substantially rectangular cross section through the center axis. The blending apparatus further includes a lid to cover the cavity defined by the container, and an attachment to fit within the cavity and rotate about the center axis of the cavity. In some arrangements, a set of sides of the container defines (i) a substantially octagonal interior cross section through the center axis at a location adjacent a bottom of the container to prevent lodging of food products at the bottom of the container when the attachment rotates within the cavity; and (ii) a substantially square interior cross section through the center axis at a location further from the bottom of the container.

02-02-2012

20120024995

FOOD PROCESSOR AND ATTACHMENT - A blending apparatus is provided which includes a container, a lid for covering the container, and an attachment within the container. The attachment includes a central shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to engage the lid, and the second end being configured to engage a drive member of the container. The attachment further includes blades extending outwardly from the central shaft, the blades being operable to engage food products in the container. The attachment rotates within the container body (i) while the attachment is captured between a bushing of the lid and the drive member of the container, the first end of the central shaft engaging the bushing and the second end of the central shaft engaging the drive member of the container and (ii) while the second end of the attachment receives torque from the drive member of the container.

02-02-2012

20120024993

FOOD PROCESSOR - A food processor is provided which includes a container, a blade assembly, and a base arranged such that the container is coupleable to the base. The base includes a housing and a motor configured to drive the blade assembly. The food processor further includes an actuator included with the container moveable between a first position and a second, extended position. When the container is coupled to the base and the actuator is in the second, extended position, the actuator is configured to actuate a switch to permit activation of the motor, and the base is constructed such that the container can be coupled to the base when the actuator is in the second, extended position.

02-02-2012

20110296633

QUILTED FABRIC TOWEL STEAM POCKET FOR A STEAM APPLIANCE - A fabric steam towel for mounting onto a steam frame of a steam appliance is provided. The pocket includes two complimentary substantially planar layers of fabric joined at their peripheral edge with an open section for mounting onto the steam frame and allowing the open edges to butt against each other. The fabrics are constructed of an outer terry layer and inner material with an upper jersey layer, padding and a lower mesh layer with a 45 degree quilting pattern to improve performance. The fabric is sealed about the frame a first length of a fastener is secured to the inside face along the open edge of one layer with a complimentary length of fastener secured to the inside face of the second layer and extending beyond the edge to allow the open edges of each layer to abut each other and for the fasteners to engage and secure the fabric pocket about the edge of the frame.

12-08-2011

20110240068

UNIVERSAL CONNECTOR FOR A FLUID MOP - A steam appliance with a universal connector for connecting a steam frame to a fluid source in the appliance housing is provided. The universal connector includes an upper connection piece with a proximal end for connection to the housing and a distal end with a pair of pivot arms. A lower connection piece having a pair of pivot plates for connecting to the pivot arms provides for a pivotal connection with the of upper connection piece for side to side pivot. A fluid conduit passes through the upper and lower connection pieces for connecting the fluid source to the frame for distribution of steam within the frame. The frame includes a central steam passageway for distribution of steam between baffles within the frame. The lower connection piece may be a distributor with a pair of opposed elongated hollow arms for coupling to the frame with a fluid conduit passing through an upper nipple portion for distribution of steam into the frame through the hollow distributor arms. The end of the distributor arms maybe adapted to slip into a key slot in the mop frame and provide an axis to pivot the joint in an up and down direction. Fabric mop towel envelopes with an cut-out to permit rotation of the mop frame about the distributor are also disclosed.

10-06-2011

20110223375

PAD FOR A STEAM APPLIANCE - A steam permeable pad for a steam appliance, such as a steam mop or garment press. The pad includes an outer fabric layer and an internal steam management layer which may include a terry fabric. The pad may further include a laminate of jerry fabric, cushioning knit, and open mesh. An attachment feature allows the pad to be mounted to a head or frame of the steam appliance.

09-15-2011

20110219733

SHROUD FOR A CLEANING SERVICE APPARATUS - A surface cleaning apparatus has a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber exterior to the cyclone chamber. The cyclone chamber has an air inlet and an opposed end. The dirt outlet from the cyclone chamber comprises a gap at the terminal end of a cyclone chamber wall proximate the opposed end. A shroud extends inwardly into the cyclone chamber from the opposed end and is preferably tapered in the upstream direction.

09-15-2011

20110219646

FABRIC CARE APPLIANCE - Appliances, methods and systems in which steam can be applied to a fabric and a heated surface can be used to press and/or dry the fabric.

09-15-2011

20110219557

FLOOR CLEANING DEVICE - A floor cleaning device includes a floor cleaning head and a pole directly or indirectly connectable to the floor cleaning head. The pole includes two sections, and a joint for lockably positioning the two pole sections in at least two different angular orientations.

09-15-2011

20110073140

STEAM APPLIANCE - A steam appliance system in which steam is delivered from a steam generation unit to a steam applicator via a steam conduit which extends through a handle of the steam applicator. The steam conduit may be removable from the handle.

03-31-2011

20110073135

STEAM APPLIANCE - A steam appliance includes a steam applicator which is connectable to the steam appliance, but the steam applicator is permitted to rotate without loosening or disengaging the connection of the steam applicator to the steam appliance. Embodiments may be particularly suitable for use with a portable, handheld steam appliance that employs steam pocket technology.

03-31-2011

20110030249

SYSTEM, COMPONENTS AND METHOD FOR TREATING A FABRIC - A pad system for facilitating treatment of a fabric includes a pad which is placed adjacent to a support surface, and fabric grips which secure the fabric against the pad. The fabric grips may be attachable to the pad. The fabric grips may be used to arrange the fabric on the pad and provide tension to the fabric to facilitate fabric treatments such as steaming, heating and/or pressing.

02-10-2011

20100272948

Quilted Fabric Towel Steam Pocket For A Steam Appliance - A fabric steam towel for mounting onto a steam frame of a steam appliance is provided. The pocket includes two complimentary substantially planar layers of fabric joined at their peripheral edge with an open section for mounting onto the steam frame and allowing the open edges to butt against each other. The fabrics are constructed of an outer terry layer and inner material with an upper jersey layer, padding and a lower mesh layer with a 45 degree quilting pattern to improve performance. The fabric is sealed about the frame a first length of a fastener is secured to the inside face along the open edge of one layer with a complimentary length of fastener secured to the inside face of the second layer and extending beyond the edge to allow the open edges of each layer to abut each other and for the fasteners to engage and secure the fabric pocket about the edge of the frame.

10-28-2010

20100269287

STEAM APPLICATORS - Steam applicators, steam applicator frames, and steam appliance systems in which a steam applicator can be maneuvered to clean and sanitize all kinds of surfaces, not merely floors.

10-28-2010

20100269282

SHAGGY FABRIC TOWEL STEAM POCKET FOR A STEAM APPLIANCE - A fabric steam towel for mounting onto a steam frame of a steam appliance is provided. The pocket includes two complimentary substantially planar layers of chenille fabric joined at their peripheral edges with an open section for mounting onto the steam frame and allowing the open edges to butt against each other. The fabrics are constructed of a chenille fabric with a shaggy or spaghetti-like pile of about 2 cm. extending from the exposed surface of a canvas base that faces the steam frame. The fabric is sealed about the frame a first length of a fastener is secured to the inside face along the open edge of one layer with a complimentary length of fastener secured to the inside face of the second layer and extending beyond the edge to allow the open edges of each layer to abut each other and for the fasteners to engage and secure the fabric pocket about the edge of the frame.

10-28-2010

20100251505

CLEANING APPLIANCE HAVING MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS - A cleaning appliance is capable of performing two or more cleaning functions. The cleaning appliance may include a vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner such that a user can vacuum a floor prior to steam cleaning the floor.

10-07-2010

20100236018

CLEANING APPLIANCE HAVING MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS - A cleaning appliance is capable of performing two or more cleaning functions. The cleaning appliance may include a vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner such that a user can vacuum a floor prior to steam cleaning the floor. Various manual switching arrangements may be used as part of controlling the cleaning appliance.

09-23-2010

20100229892

Surface Cleaning Apparatus With Automatic Brush Speed Adjustment - A surface-cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes one or more brushes rotatably driven by a motor in order to collect debris without suction being applied by the apparatus. The apparatus is capable of detecting a resistance or friction level of the surface to be cleaned, and can automatically adjust the rotational speed of the motor, and thereby the rotational speed(s) of the brush(es), based on changes in the surface. Additionally, the apparatus is capable of detecting jamming or locking of a brush and turning off the motor in response to detecting such jamming or locking.

09-16-2010

20100229315

HANDLE FOR SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS - A handle for a surface cleaning apparatus comprises a lower handle portion, and an upper handle portion. A first pivoting lockable joint is provided between the lower handle portion and the upper handle portion. A second pivoting lockable joint is provided between the lower handle portion and the upper handle portion.

09-16-2010

20100212098

Flexible Steam Frame For Steam Appliance - A flexible steam frame for use with a steam appliance having a rigid base and a plurality of flexible members that extend from the base to form a skeleton about a space for steam distribution. A hose with holes may extend from the base to the end of the skeleton to improve distribution. The base may include a handle which is coupled to a steam appliance. The wires may extend from the base, turn at a right angle and return to the base. The members may be metallic or plastic members in two spaced apart planes in an arc between about 20 to 90 degrees, or may be a plurality of wires which define a cylindrical form or a space having a substantially triangularly shaped profile. A matching towel with an opening on one or two sides is placed over the members and secured by elements attached to the opening(s).

08-26-2010

20100199455

STEAM APPLIANCE WITH VACUUM FUNCTION - A steam appliance having a water reservoir, water pump and steam generator with a vacuum function is provided. The steam appliance has a water pump for selectively injecting water from a reservoir to a boiler to generate steam fed into a steam pocket frame with a fabric steam pocket mounted thereon. In one configuration, when steam is being generated, the vacuum function cannot be used. In another configuration, when the vacuum function is on, the heating element in the steam generator is power at reduced power to reduce power consumption and keep the steam generator heated in stand-by mode and water is not pumped.

08-12-2010

20100186463

Steam Appliance With Diffuser - A diffuser with an absorbent substrate for holding a steam diffusible composition, such as a fragrance for mounting on a steam frame of a steam appliance is provided. The steam appliance has a water pump for selectively injecting water from a reservoir to a boiler to generate steam fed into a steam frame with a fabric pad or steam pocket mounted thereon. The steam envelopes the diffuser to dispense a fragrance or other material in the absorbable substrate into the generated steam in response to a user use or movement of the appliance. When steam is generated and passes the diffuser, the composition is heated to a temperature it will vaporize and be distributed with the steam through the fabric pad or steam pocket.

07-29-2010

20100170059

VACUUM CLEANER ATTACHMENT - A vacuum cleaner attachment device may include a housing, a suction inlet on a bottom of the housing and a felt component on the bottom. This felt component may be positioned near the suction inlet to loosen hair and debris in a soft surface. An element may be attached to and extend below the housing. The element may be configured to support the housing at a predefined distance above a hard surface to be cleaned to prevent the felt component from contacting the hard surface. The element may be sufficiently narrow to sink into a soft surface to be cleaned to cause the felt component to be in direct contact with the soft surface.

07-08-2010

20100126535

Multi-Direction Actuator - A steam appliance, such as a steam mop having a main body including a water pump for pumping water from a water tank to a steam generator in response to any movement of the appliance is provided. Movement causes a pump actuator to slide within a frame. The actuator has a camming surface with a pump piston rod biased against the camming surface that causes the pump piston rod to move in and out of a pump cylinder when the actuator moves. This operates a the pump to pump water to the steam generator for feeding steam to a steam pad mounted on a steam frame connected to the steam generator outlet.

05-27-2010

20100116298

Steam Appliance With Motion Switch - A steam appliance having a water pump controlled by a motion switch response to movement of the appliance is provided. In one embodiment, a micro-switch is turned ON and OFF by movement of a micro-switch actuator in operative engagement with the towel frame at the base if the appliance. In another embodiment, the actuator is operatively connected to a mechanical pump to activate the pump. The motor switch or actuator will be displaced whenever the unit is moved by a user, thus causing the pump to pump water to the boiler. Steam is then fed to a steam pad that may have a replaceable fabric pad fit snugly on the frame to distribute clean steam to a surface to be steamed.

05-13-2010

20100107351

Fabric Towel With Slider For Steam Appliance - A fabric towel with a slider pattern for use on a cleaning surface with at least one fastener to secure the towel to a steam frame. The fabric towel is used with a steam appliance and the slider pattern reduces friction when used on a fabric or carpeted surface yet provides a sufficient amount of towel surface to steam. In one embodiment, the fabric towel is a steam pocket including a top and bottom layer joined around its perimeter with an open side to allow for mounting on a steam frame with fasteners secured to each layer and wrapped around the back of a steam frame. The slider pattern may be a single piece or a plurality of segments secured to the towel. In another embodiment, towel is a steam pad with has at least one fastener for attachment to the steam cleaner frame.

05-06-2010

20100088932

Convertible Steam Appliance - A steam appliance having a split handle with the upper part biased away from the handle base and an actuator for a water pump. When the appliance is pushed, the handle upper part is depressed and displaces a pump actuator to activate the pump. Use of a steam frame and steam towel allows an iron to be used as a steam cleaner. When a pole is mounted on the upper handle part, the appliance may be used as a steam mop that is activated by pushing the pole which depresses the handle to actuate the pump.

04-15-2010

20100086287

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A STEAMER - A steam apparatus including a first steam apparatus to produce a first steam having a humidity level at or above a first predetermined level and having a temperature at or below a first predetermined temperature and a second steam apparatus to produce a second steam having a humidity level at or below a second predetermined level and having a temperature at or above a second predetermined temperature. An output apparatus is configured to receive the first steam and the second steam and output the first steam, the second steam, or a hybrid steam defined by a mixture of the first steam and the second steam. An atomizer may be included to assist the steam generation.

04-08-2010

20100050369

CLEANING DEVICE - A cleaning device is provided. The cleaning device may include a handle, an activation mechanism moveable between a first position and a second position by a user of the device, a hollow member having a suction opening at an end of the hollow member, an electrically powered motor configured to produce suction at the suction opening, and a bristle support member pivotable relative to the hollow member. The bristle support member may include a plurality of bristles attached thereto. The bristle support member may be operatively coupled to the activation mechanism. When the activation mechanism is in the first position, the bristle support member may be in a closed position adjacent to the suction opening of the hollow member and the plurality of bristles may be positioned to perform a sweeping function. When the activation mechanism is moved to the second position, the bristle support member may be pivoted away from the suction opening of the hollow member to an open position to provide access to the suction opening.

03-04-2010

20100040489

Tubular Pump - A tubular fluid pump is provided. The pump includes a chamber for receiving and discharging fluid, and a squeezing mechanism for pumping fluid through the chamber. The chamber has a first end with a first opening, a second end with a second opening, and a length of resilient tubular material extending between the first and second openings. One-way valves disposed at the openings cooperate to permit fluid to pass through the chamber in only one axial direction. The squeezing mechanism includes a substantially rigid base and a substantially rigid displaceable actuator. The tubular material is mounted on the base of the squeezing mechanism, and the actuator is aligned to alternately squeeze the tubular material against the base to pump fluid out of the chamber, and release the tubular material from the base to draw fluid into the chamber. A steam appliance incorporating a one-way tubular pump is also provided.

02-18-2010

20100037495

Steam Appliance With Pump - A steam appliance having a water pump controlled by an actuator or motion switch response to movement of the appliance is provided. In one embodiment, a micro-switch is turned ON and OFF by movement of a micro-switch actuator in operative engagement with the towel frame at the base if the appliance. In another embodiment, the actuator is operatively connected to a mechanical pump to activate the pump. The motor switch or actuator will be displaced whenever the unit is moved by a user, thus causing the pump to pump water to the boiler. Steam is then fed to a steam pad that may have a replaceable fabric pad fit snugly on the frame to distribute clean steam to a surface to be steamed.